Report pinpoints low Emirati birth rates
COST OF LIVING, DELAYED MARRIAGE REASONS FOR LOW BIRTH RATE
Rising cost of living, delayed marriage, and women entering the workforce have been cited as the primary reasons for the low birth rate in Dubai, a new report revealed yesterday
Other causes included higher cost of marriage, personal preference for not having many children, and spending more time on pursuing education and building a career.
The Mohammad Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) published the report of the fourth session of the Policy Council yesterday, that discusses recommendations on issues and polices related to fertility rates.
The report is held under the theme ‘Fertility rates among Emiratis in Dubai: Challenges, Policies and the Way Forward’.
The research and teaching institution specialising in public policy in the Arab world highlighted that the topic is of special importance due to the overall imbalance
The report emphasises the complexity of the topic, pointing out that policies related to fertility issues require the involvement of government, citizens, health-care providers and the education sector. The topic of fertility was chosen to support the Dubai Plan 2021
“The plan places special emphasis on the well-being of society and driving sustainable development of UAE citizens towards active participation in the economic, social and civil sector,” said Dr Ali Bin Sebaa Al Merri, executive president, MBRSG.
The report highlights a number of factors contributing to lower birth rates in Dubai, based on a survey conducted by MBRSG. Involving a crosssection of UAE citizens in Dubai across varied age groups, education levels and social status, the survey cited rising cost of living, delayed marriage, and women entering the work force as primary reasons for the low birth rate. Other causes included higher cost of marriage, personal preference for not having
in
demographics. many children, and spending more time on pursuing education and building a career.
Al Merri explained that the aim of the survey was to come up with an accurate definition of the issues and practical recommendations that would contribute toward developing government policies related to fertility.
‘Critical factor’
The report also discusses the importance of maintaining fertility rates due to their significance for economic and social continuity. Birth rates are a critical factor in preserving Emirati families, upholding Emirati identity, and ensuring participation of UAE citizens in all sectors of society and economy.
The Policy Council made a number of recommendations, topped by the need to conduct more in-depth research on Emirati families, fertility issues, and the challenges of raising children. Recommendations in the report include a review of government policies and human resource procedures related to working mothers.